Grants and receipting
The student groups funding tracks are designed to align funding opportunities with the scale and scope of each student organisation. The track for each club, association, or society is determined by the number of registered memberships and through an evaluation.
Funding evaluation criteria
To determine the funding track, the club will be assessed on:
Programming scope
Scale, quality, and inclusivity of planned events.
Financial need
Transparent budgeting and effective fund use.
Campus impact
Size of audience, relevance, and collaboration with other groups.
Organisational capacity
Track record of activity and ability to deliver programming.
Growth & engagement plans
Strategies to involve more students or increase visibility.
Club conduct & responsibility
Club leadership and members are expected to uphold university values, demonstrate responsible event planning and maintain a positive, respectful presence in the campus community.
Registered campaigns
| Track 1 | |
|---|---|
| Purpose | A campaign is an effort to create awareness for a cause, and an organised course of action to achieve an end goal. Registered campaigns operate without financial support from Student Groups. |
| Funding eligibility | Student Groups Funding: Not eligible One-off payments: Not eligible |
| Funding allocation | Student Groups Funding: Not eligible One-off payments: Not eligible |
Registered clubs, associations and societies
| Track 2 | |
|---|---|
| Purpose | For registered clubs, societies and associations that operate without financial support from Student Groups. |
| Funding eligibility | Student Groups Funding: Not eligible One-off payments: Not eligible |
| Funding allocation | Student Groups Funding: Not eligible One-off payments: Not eligible |
| Track 3 | |
|---|---|
| Purpose | For registered clubs, societies and associations that may operate with financial support from Student Groups. |
| Funding eligibility | Minimum 45-99 members Funding based on evaluation of programming, financial need, and campus impact |
| Funding allocation | Student Groups Funding: $0 - $4,000 One-off payments: Eligible |
| Track 4 | |
|---|---|
| Purpose | For registered clubs, societies and associations that may operate with financial support from Student Groups. |
| Funding eligibility | Minimum 100-249 members Funding based on evaluation of programming, financial need, and campus impact |
| Funding allocation | Student Groups Funding: $0 - $6,000 One-off payments: Eligible |
| Track 5 | |
|---|---|
| Purpose | For registered clubs, societies and associations that may operate with financial support from Student Groups. |
| Funding eligibility | 250+ members Funding based on evaluation of programming, financial need and campus impact |
| Funding allocation | Student Groups Funding: $0 - $8,000 One-off payments: Eligible |
Student Groups Funding Tracks will take effect in 2026.
Grant application dates
2026 year
- Major Grant One: Sunday 18 January
- Quarter One Grant: Sunday 22 March
- Quarter Two Grant: Sunday 17 May
- Major Grant Two: Sunday 31 May
- Quarter Three: Sunday 9 August
- Quarter Four: Sunday 4 October
Each quarter grant has a maximum allowance of $150. The annual maximum for all grants depends on the grant track assigned to the club. Applications that exceed the application or track maximum may not be considered or may be returned for adjustments. If you are unsure which track your club is on, please contact Student Groups.
Grant spending conditions
Conditions for spending allocated grant funds outline how awarded money may be used, ensuring purchases align with the grant’s purpose and comply with all funding requirements. These guidelines help maintain accountability and proper stewardship of the funds.
What can grants be used for?
- Catering (limits apply)
- Banners/flags up to $100
- Partial cover of assets
- Partial cover of on campus venue and technical costs
- Partial cover of HSW equipment and/or trainings
- Sports/cultural kit or clothing when required for competitions
What limits apply to catering?
- $150 maximum for Pizza costs per event
- $100 for Exec meeting refreshments/snacks (annually)
- $150 for AGM catering
- University supplied caterer/food trucks are preferred
- Costs within reason for larger events
What can grants not be used for?
- Payment of a person (e.g. sports coaches, speakers, performers)
- Registration fees
- Events where alcohol is present like pub quiz nights, steins, balls, cocktail parties or pub crawls
- The benefit of third parties outside of the University like charities, businesses and political parties
- Clothing (unless it is sports or cultural kit as mentioned above)
- Travel and transport
- Off-campus venue hire
- Storage hire
- Grants will not be approved as a reimbursement
- Website hosting fees, subscription fees, or Google Drive
- Koha or gifts
- Prizes, vouchers, or awards
- Activities or objects that only benefit exec or a small number of people
Receipting
Receipting is required annually for any University of Auckland grant funds spent by clubs. This is because grant money comes from a pool of funding called the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF), also known as the Student Levy. There are certain things that this money can and cannot be spent on, as this pool of funding is allocated for activities that enhance a positive on-campus environment for students.
If the club's receipts do not match the approved items or are not supplied, this will mean that the club is not eligible for grants in the following year.
Note: The committee reserves the right to withhold funds from activities that are seen to be exclusive or go against the University’s equity guidelines and strategic objectives.